Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

This bill addresses one of the longest-running water issues in Arizona by securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. Approximately one-third of homes on the three reservations currently lack access to running water. If enacted, the agreement would allow the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe to lease their water, creating new economic opportunities, and authorize $5 billion to build and maintain essential water infrastructure in the region. The legislation would create a reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and authorize funding for water development projects, including a pipeline that would bring Colorado River water to the three reservations. Settlement water supplies would include both Upper and Lower Basin Colorado River water, groundwater, and other surface water supplies. The bill is currently under committee consideration and has not yet been voted on by the full House.